Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got some questions and we are here to help.
Ask me Anything
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On the first page of this website, is a section with all the different services. You can go that way, or get in touch. You can email me at sandra@pilatesrepublic.co.uk or call/message 07879 337068, and we’ll arrange a time to chat.
We’ll talk through what’s going on for you, what you’re looking for, and what would suit you best. From there, I’ll guide you to the right starting point — whether that’s a private session or a group class.
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Everyone can do it!
Whether you join the private studio, group mat classes or our online program, you won’t need any prior experience or fitness level.
Equally, if you have done Pilates for many years in other methods, you’ll be surprised how challenging ours can be.
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We don’t offer PAYG, however all services run on a membership basis because consistency is where the real change happens.
When you come each week, your strength builds progressively, your posture improves naturally, and your mobility deepens over time. We’re not starting from scratch each session — we’re layering, refining, and progressing. That’s where the real transformation lives.
And of course, life happens.
Memberships include built-in flexibility, so you won’t miss out if plans change. You can reschedule within the same week or another week (meaning sometimes you come twice), and if you’re away you can join via Zoom.Habits create results. And results build confidence.
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Starting to move again after years of pain, injury, or feeling stuck can feel daunting. The fact you’re here is already a big first step.
The best place to begin is by getting in touch so we can talk things through. You can email me at sandra@pilatesrepublic.co.uk or call/message 07879 337068, and we’ll arrange a time to chat.
Once we’ve found a day and time that works, I’ll send you a confirmation along with a health form. This helps me understand what’s going on for you so I can support you in the safest and most effective way.
You don’t need to have it all figured out — we’ll take it step by step together.
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Yes, you’re very welcome to share any medical reports if you feel they’re relevant. While we are not medical staff and don’t clinically interpret scans or diagnose, we have seen many over the years and they can be helpful in giving additional context.
That said, we always teach based on what we see in front of us — how you move, your alignment, and how your body responds in real time. This ensures your sessions are tailored to what your body actually needs on the day.
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Short answer: It depends.
Our group classes are small and personalised, so in some cases joining a mat class is absolutely possible. It really comes down to how you’re feeling right now and where you are in your healing journey.
A few helpful questions to ask yourself:
• Can you comfortably get down to and up from the floor?
• Are you happy being in a group of up to 12, knowing we won’t have eyes on you all the time?
• Are your symptoms relatively stable (rather than very acute or flaring day to day)?
• Do you feel confident following verbal instructions and working at your own pace when needed?If you’re unsure, the best thing is to get in touch and we can talk it through together. You can email me at sandra@pilatesrepublic.co.uk and I’ll help you decide what will feel safest and most supportive.
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Private sessions take place in the fully equipped studio and are entirely tailored to you. We use the Pilates equipment to support, challenge, and guide your body, while also looking beyond the session itself — your habits, posture, and lifestyle — to create real, lasting change.
Group classes are mat-based and kept small, focused, and personal. You’ll work at your own level within the group, building strength, improving posture, and moving with more ease over time, with guidance and adjustments throughout.
Both are highly effective — it simply depends on the level of support and attention you’re looking for.
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Wear something you're comfortable in. Generally we wear socks for the workout and clothing that allows us to see your body. However there's no strict rules here really!
Please bring a hand towel and a Pilates floor mat, which is anything between 10-15 mm thick. Yoga mats can be used, but may be too thin for certain exercises. Bring it anyway if that's all you have and we'll give advise when doing these exercises, as it depends on your body type.
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Life happens — and your Pilates can adapt.
You can reschedule your session within the same week or move it to another week. Sometimes that means you’ll come twice in one week.
If you’re away, you can join online or continue your practice through the on-demand library.
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Zoom is the software we use to connect with you for our online classes.
You can join from your computer, tablet, or phone. In most cases, Zoom is free to use for participants, and it’s simple to set up. Once you book, you’ll receive a link to join your class.
If using Zoom feels like a hurdle, don’t worry — I’ll be happy to help you get set up so you can join with confidence.
Get in Touch
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